Morocco is set to initiate the tender process for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal near the eastern Mediterranean city of Nador, Energy Minister Leila Benali confirmed on Monday. The government plans to issue an expression of interest for the first phase of the terminal’s development later this week.
Speaking to members of parliament, Benali highlighted that the LNG terminal would be connected to an existing pipeline, which currently brings in 0.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas from Spanish terminals. The terminal will also serve to bolster Morocco’s efforts to diversify its energy sources, reducing dependence on coal as the country pushes forward with its renewable energy ambitions. By 2030, Morocco aims to generate 52% of its total installed energy capacity from renewables, up from the current 45%.
The new infrastructure will be a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), to be located at the Nador West Med port, which is still under construction. This facility will be strategically linked to industrial zones in the nearby northwestern cities of Kenitra and Mohammedia.
According to official ministry estimates, Morocco’s natural gas demand is expected to grow significantly, reaching 8 bcm by 2027, up from just 1 bcm today. The LNG terminal is a crucial part of the country’s energy future, ensuring a steady and diverse supply of natural gas.
In a separate announcement, Morocco’s national electricity utility (ONEE) unveiled a 2025-2030 plan to expand its electricity generation capacity by 15 gigawatts (GW), with 13 GW coming from renewable sources. The ambitious expansion plan will require a total investment of 120 billion dirhams (approximately $13 billion), according to Minister Benali.